1963 Shelby Cobra at Auctions America

This 1963 Shelby Cobra is no ordinary two-seater sports car. It comes with a long list of documentation dating back to when it was billed to Shelby American on October 1, 1962 and sold to Downtown Ford in Los Angeles on November 28, 1962. The paper trail picks up from 1971 until 2011 when the Cobra was owned by Ruben Garnica. The Shelby then underwent an initial restoration in the early 1980s and a recent restoration to ensure top-notch, show quality.

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That said, Auctions America returns to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for its twelfth year at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. The auction, which plans to feature 450 American and European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods and custom-builds, will take place March 14-16, 2014. The highlight of the weekend’s event will be this pristine 1963 Shelby Cobra.

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Auctions America will auction this 1963 Shelby Cobra, chassis number CSX2023, stuffed with a 289ci small-block topped with a period correct carburetor that feeds into an S1 intake. The Cobra’s valve covers let people know it’s the real-deal with period correct, hollowed out lettering displaying the brand name. Power is harnessed by a four-speed manual transmission with original style shifter.

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Doing the stopping at all four corners of the Cobra are factory four-wheel disc brakes hidden behind chrome wire wheels wrapped in Goodyear Power Cushion whitewall tires. Under the car, bidders will find a period-correct, dual exhaust system. On the interior, leather upholstered seats seat the driver and passenger comfortably, while Ray Brown three-inch lap belts keep them safe and snug. An original Smiths clock joins the factory gauges that give this car its museum-quality detail. A Motolita steering wheel rounds out the dash. Covering the occupants of the Cobra is a soft-top with side curtains; the entire car is dripping with a gorgeous coat of Silver Moss poly paint.

This AC-style Shelby Cobra was always a celebrated workhorse of SCCA racing circuit, as well as European FIA championships in the 1960s. It is surely the desired piece of any collector’s collection and will fetch a fair price at Auctions America in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, come March 14-16, 2014. Feel free to visit the Auctions America website for more information about this car, and to also watch the live stream of the auction HERE.